Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are a concern for aging adults. Declining immune system function combined with reduced mobility can put older adults at risk of developing these painful wounds.
While people tend to think of bedsores as an inevitable consequence of advanced age, the reality is that they are often a sign of neglect. Nursing homes can prevent bedsores from developing or worsening with appropriate care standards.
How can workers help older adults to prevent bedsores?
1. Regular interactions
Encouraging people to move or to change position regularly is beneficial. Nursing home employees can rotate older adults who cannot move on their own and use cushions to change where their body weight creates pressure.
2. Immediate treatment
When an older adult shows signs of an early-stage bedsore developing, nursing home workers can take steps to prevent it from worsening. Moving the person, treating the wound and keeping the wound site clean are all necessary. The right steps can prevent the bedsore from worsening and minimize the risk of infection.
3. Appropriate communication
Advising coworkers and family members about an individual’s pension for developing bedsores can be helpful. When other workers are aware of the risk and family members know that additional support is necessary, people can take appropriate steps to prevent bedsores from continuing to develop.
When nursing home employees do not follow common sense protocols to protect vulnerable residents, their behavior may constitute medical negligence. It may be possible to take legal action to recover losses caused by infected and late-stage bedsores. Identifying issues with care standards can help families seek justice when nursing home negligence leads to medical complications for vulnerable adults.